EASTERN BEACHES FORESHORE RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION OVERVIEW AND PROPOSED CHANGES (Referred from Planning and Environment Committee dated 8 August 2023 - Item 5.1) · Attachment 1 EBFRMP 2023 Draft Final

Surfing
Surfing is one of Noosa’s most notable forms of recreation. The beach break at North Sunshine
Beach is at the southern end of the Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and other well renowned surf
breaks are highly popular along the length of the Eastern Beaches. Surfing is a major contributor
to livability and the Noosa “culture” for many residents, and surfing opportunities and events are a
major drawcard for regional, interstate and international visitors.

Surf breaks and access for surfing is one of the drivers for the current location of many of our
beach accesses and should be considered if new or moved beach accesses are proposed.
Viewing water conditions can be a reason for people to go off public paths, which may cause
environmental damage and pose a risk to visitors. Incorporating desired water condition view line
considerations when locating and designing viewing areas, platforms and other coastal community
infrastructure will help maintain and enhance these values.


Beach walking
Beach walking for exercise, meditation and socialising are important daily activities for many
Noosa residents and visitors. People walk regular and occasional routes along beaches and
nearby walkways, and into adjoining national parks.


Dog walking
Many people walk and exercise their dogs on the beach and on nearby walkways. EBFR off leash
areas are at Sunshine Beach, north from beach access 27 to the national park boundary, and
Castaways and Marcus Beach, between beach accesses 38 and 47. Other beach areas are open
to on-leash dogs, except the three designated bathing areas.

Consultation highlighted dogs on beaches is very important to many people. Many people highly
value being able to walk their dog on the beach, leashed or unleashed, with some saying it was
vital to their physical and mental health and community connectivity. They highlighted the difficulty
of access to some dog exercise areas, especially those with mobility restrictions or using a
wheelchair. Others highlighted the lack of parking and other facilities at dog exercise areas. Many
asked for the dog area at Sunrise Beach to be extended north to Beach Access 37 to tie in with
better parking, more direct access, toilets, and cafes.

Others, while supporting leashed and off leash dog exercise areas, wanted dogs to stay out of dog
free zones. Some said that they stayed away from dog free beaches because they were worried
about being knocked down or injured by off leash dogs. Others said they wanted to experience the
beach without interference by introduced animals.

Many were concerned about the environmental impacts of dogs, raising concerns about dogs
being encouraged to go into the dunes, impacting on wildlife (especially sea turtles and birds) and
pet waste being a significant source of nutrient and pathogen pollution in creeks and in-shore
waters. Others were concerned about pet waste affecting the amenity of the area or impacting on
those working in the dunes. The need for consistently available pet waste bags was also raised.

Both dog owners and people concerned about dogs asked for more community education and
more dog related enforcement to improve dog and owner behavior and reduce environmental and
social impacts. Better access, signage and education about where dogs or off leash dogs are not
allowed will both help prevent dog owners being fined and reduce out of area and environmental
concerns.




Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023                                       Page 47